Breast Cancer Survivor To Receive Award For Service

This week, Patch introduces you to Jerri Livingston, a 10-year breast cancer survivor who will be honored Thursday night with the 25th Annual Hadassah Leadership Award. She is a team liaison for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a religious school teacher and serves on the national board of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

When Jerri Livingston is asked what she does for a living, her husband jokingly answers that she works as a professional volunteer. He's not far off the mark. The Hadassah Leadership Award—which Livingston will receive Thursday—is given for an overall dedication to the principles of the volunteer ethic.

“I've been very fortunate that I've been able to do what I want,” Livingston said. “I was able to stay home. Because of that, I love to help others.”

If anyone has demonstrated a love for helping others, it's Livingston. As a 10-year breast cancer survivor, Livingston has worked with Hadassah—the largest women's Zionist organization in the world—and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to spread the word about breast health throughout the community. She's also been honored by both the Komen foundation and New Balance for her fundraising and work as team liaison for St. Louis' Race For the Cure.

In addition to sitting on both the Hadassah board of directors and on the Komen development committee, Livingston serves on the national board of Women of Reform Judaism. She has also been heavily involved at Congregation Shaare Emeth and Central Agency for Jewish Education.

Livingston has always had an interest in helping others, and her involvement grew when her children were enrolled in junior high. But it was her fight against breast cancer in 2001 that catapaulted her tireless dedication to promoting breast health awareness, Jewish issues and interfaith causes.

Shortly after she beat breast cancer, Livingston attended a Hadassah meeting. There she saw a bulletin that mentioned “Check It Out,” a breast cancer awareness program. Something clicked for her.

“I thought that was so great—what they were doing to create awareness. It's amazing to think that little mention in the bulletin changed my life.”

During this same period, Livingston ran in her first Race For the Cure, and she liked what she saw. “I was overwhelmed, but I was impressed with how smoothly it was run,” Livingston said. “I decided to join and became a team liaison, working with team captains, registering them, making the whole thing easier.”

Her 10 years as team liaison has been recognized. In 2008, Livingston was named New Balance survivor spokesperson for the St. Louis Race for the Cure and was recognized on stage at the race. The Komen Foundation also recognized her as a top 10 survivor for her fundraising efforts.

“I carried the banner,” Livingston said. “Quite an honor.” The people that carry the banner lead the Survivor Processional to the stage on race day.

Livingston said she is excited for the Hadassah award ceremony. Friends from many different parts of her life are coming in from all over the country to see her honored.

“It blew my mind,” Livingston said of the award. “Totally, totally surprised. I did not expect it at all. I love what I do. You couldn't pay me to do it. But it's nice to be recognized.”

Livingston said that beating breast cancer has given her a larger appreciation for surviving, and she his honored to spread her positive attitude throughout the community through volunteerism.

“It gives me a tremendous sense of joy and accomplishment,” Livingston said. "It sounds corny, but there's definitely life after treatment."

Livingston will receive the Hadassah Leadership award at their annual meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the chapel at United Hebrew, 13788 Conway Rd.